As someone whose Chinese writing currently is best described as "cakar ayam" (chicken scratches in Malay), I am always in awe of those whose calligraphy is works of art, especially the Chinese and Japanese poets and writers of old. Really enjoyed this essay - a lovely ramble with morning coffe.
What a coincidence! I'm also writing about plum blossoms, inspired by the weather here in Tokyo two weeks ago--it actually snowed while they were blooming! Around the same time, I learned about 飛梅 as a seasonal name in tea & of course had to research that backstory too, about Sugawara no Michizane being exiled to Kyushu. Had some beautiful moments of discovery & wonder. I'm glad I still have so much to learn about Japanese history & poetic symbolism.
As someone whose Chinese writing currently is best described as "cakar ayam" (chicken scratches in Malay), I am always in awe of those whose calligraphy is works of art, especially the Chinese and Japanese poets and writers of old. Really enjoyed this essay - a lovely ramble with morning coffe.
What a coincidence! I'm also writing about plum blossoms, inspired by the weather here in Tokyo two weeks ago--it actually snowed while they were blooming! Around the same time, I learned about 飛梅 as a seasonal name in tea & of course had to research that backstory too, about Sugawara no Michizane being exiled to Kyushu. Had some beautiful moments of discovery & wonder. I'm glad I still have so much to learn about Japanese history & poetic symbolism.
Oh, wow! Such richness! Starting with the opening image! That blew me away! (And now I live with the scent of the plum blossoms . . . )